Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts Research Articles

Characterization and classification of soils of a paddy field in Badeggi, Niger State, Nigeria

This study was conducted with the aim of characterizing and classifying the soils of a paddy field in Badeggi Katcha local Government Area of Niger State. Two pedons were dug representing upper and lower slopes of the field and were designated as Badeggi 1 and 2 (BDG1 and BDG2) respectively. The pedons were described on the field following the FAO guidelines for soil description. Soil samples were collected from each identified natural horizons and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Results revealed that BDG1 had greyish brown (10YR 5/2) at the topmost horizon and light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) at the subsoil, while BDG2 had light brownish grey (10YR 6/2) overlying light grey (10YR 7/2) at subsoil. Sand content ranged from 840 to 860 g/kg in BDG 1 and 690 to 830 g/kg in BDG 2, silt ranged from 50 to 70 g/kg in BDG 1 and 90 to 210 g/kg in BDG 2 and clay ranged from 90 to 100 g/kg in BDG 1 and 80 to 100 g/kg in BDG 2. Soils from the two pedons were moderately to slightly acidic, low in organic carbon and available phosphorus, while total nitrogen was rated low to medium and irregularly distributed down the two profiles, but exchangeable Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium were high across the study area. Using the USDA soil taxonomy system, the soils were classified as Plinthic Petraquepts (BDG 1) and Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (BDG 2) which corresponded to Petric Plinthosols (Abruptic) and Fluvic Cambisols (Eutric) respectively, under World Reference Base for Soil Classification (WRB). The study has revealed that BDG1 is moderately well-drained while BDG2 is imperfectly drained. The soils are moderate to slightly acid with low inherent fertility as evidenced by low organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorous. The soils were classified as Inceptisols at Soil Order level.

Comparison of Soil Taxonomy (2022) and WRB (2022) Systems for Classifying Paddy Soils with Different Drainage Grades in South Korea

Soil classification is the systematic classification of soils based on distinguishing the characteristics of soil, aiding in understanding the properties of soils through soil survey and establishing appropriate strategies for effective soil utilization and management. Globally, the Soil Taxonomy (ST) and the World Reference Base for soil resources (WRB) are widely used for soil classification. However, the two classification systems have differences in criteria, thus exhibiting difficulties in exchanging classification results. In South Korea, soil classification has been steadily implemented to provide useful soil information to farmers for efficient soil management, contributing to the sustainability of paddy lands, but it has not been easy to establish an accurate classification system due to intensive soil management and variation in soil redox conditions. In this study, two paddy soils with different drainage grades, pedon 1 and pedon 2, were classified using the ST and WRB, and based on the comparative results, a classification criterion for paddy soil in Korea was recommended. According to ST, pedon 1 was classified as a coarse loamy, mesic family (the mean annual soil temperature, 11–14 °C) of Anthroaquic Eutrudepts (artificially irrigated, base saturation > 60%), whereas pedon 2 was a coarse loamy, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (organic carbon content > 0.2%, water-saturated across the soil profile). Based on the WRB, the two soils were categorized as follows: Stagnic Hydragric Anthrosols (Eutric, Loamic, Oxyaquic) (saturated with surface water, subsurface horizon that is wet-field and human-affected) for pedon 1 and Stagnic Gleyic Hydragric Anthrosols (Eutric, Loamic, Oxyaquic) (saturated with surface and ground water, subsurface horizon that is wet-field and human-affected) for pedon 2. Overall, the two classification systems categorized these pedons consistently by judging the soil properties according to depth, but there was a difference in layer classification upon saturation by water across the soil horizons. Poor soil drainage hinders rice growth in paddies due to lowering soil and water temperature and the occurrence of harmful reduction products. In this regard, we proposed a draft of the classification criteria specialized for paddy soils in Korea based on drainage grades. This will contribute to sustainable paddy soil management by accurately classifying paddy soils and providing better soil information to farmers.

Structural and hydraulic responses of humid tropical soils to lime and organic residue amendments

In humid tropical environments, where soils are characteristically acidic and low in organic matter, lime and organic residues have been used to improve soil quality. A systematic consideration of their interaction is, therefore, crucial for land-based ecosystem management. A 28-day incubation pot study was carried out to investigate the main and interactive effects of lime and organic residue type (corn stover and vermicompost) on aggregate stability under rapid wetting (WSAr), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and soil water repellency (SWR) on three acidic soils with contrasting clay content from Trinidad: Cunupia (Aquic Hapludalfs), Sangre Grande (Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts), and Talparo (Aquertic Eutrudepts). Organic residue had a significant (P ≤ 0.001) increasing effect on WSAr and Ksat for all three soils, this being highest for corn stover and lowest for no residue. Lime and organic residue interactive effects were only significant (P ≤ 0.05) for WSAr in the Cunupia soil, where lime significantly reduced WSAr in the vermicompost and no residue, but not in the corn stover treatment. Soil water repellency increased with clay content and was highest in the lime–corn stover treatment of the Talparo soil. Overall, our results suggest that applying crop residue with lime may help minimise the short-term deleterious effects of lime on the structural and hydraulic properties of humid tropical soils. Nonetheless, future experiments with a wider range of soils and organic residues need to be carried out for a longer term to validate our results.

Classification and assessment of agricultural potential of the lower Niger floodplain soils of Atani, Southeastern Nigeria

The soils of Atani floodplain in Anambra State of Nigeria contribute significantly to the food production of the State, hence the need to understand their behavior in order to enhance their management and productivity. Profile pits were sited along three physiographic units viz: levee crest, levee slope and flood basin. Soil samples were collected from the profile horizons and subjected to standard laboratory procedures. Characterization of the soils was based on their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Soil classification was carried out using the USDA Soil Taxonomy and correlated with FAO/IUSS World Reference Base. Its agricultural potential was assessed using the fertility capability classification. The soils were deep. Topsoil colour was dominantly blackish black (10YR 3/2). Mottles were pervasive; an indication of impeded drainage conditions. The soils were predominantly fine textured. Soil pH values ranged from 4.8 to 6.2. Exchangeable Calcium was low to moderate (2.6-8.2 cmol kg−1); Magnesium was moderate to high (1.6-6.8 cmol kg−1); Sodium was high to very high (1.0-2.5 cmol kg−1), while potassium was high (1.2-4.2 cmol kg−1). Cation exchange capacity values ranged from 11.6 to 42.6 cmol kg−1. Total nitrogen was very low to low (0.14-1.12 g kg−1), while organic carbon was low to moderate (0.4-15.2 g kg−1). Available phosphorus was very low to high ranging from 0.93 to 31.71 mg kg−1 while base saturation ranged from 64 to 93%. The soils were classified as Typic Fluvaquents (Typic Fluvisols), Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) and Fluventic Endoaquepts (Endostagnic Cambisols) according to the USDA and FAO/IUSS. The fertility capability evaluation of the soils revealed that the pedons were Lgn in classification due to limitations in drainage.
 Key words: alluvium, cambic horizon, Inceptisols, lithologic discontinuity

Characteristics of soils developed from alluvium and their potential for cocoa plant development in East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi

Cocoa is one of plantation commodities that is quite important for the national economy. Land management for the development of this plant should pay attention to the characteristics of the soil. Three soil profiles formed from alluvium parent material in East Kolaka Regency were investigated to determine the mineralogical, physical, and chemical soil properties, as well as the potential of the land for the development of cocoa plant. The results showed that the mineral composition of the sand fraction was dominated by quartz, while the clay mineral fraction was composed of kaolinite, hydrate halloysite, interstratified of illite-vermiculite and smectite. The soils were characterized by poor drainage, low bulk density (0.78 to 0.95 g / cm 3 ), moderate available water pores (10-15%), slow to fast permeability (0.10 to 14.05 cm / h), silty clay loam to silty clay texture of top soil, acidic soil reaction (pH 4.62 to 5.47), high organic C content (3.86 to 4.60%) in the top soil and very low organic C content (<0.65%) in the lower layer, moderate to high available P (14-38 mg / kg) in the A horizon and very low to moderate (1-18 mg / kg) in horizon B, moderate to high P 2 O 5 (30-71 mg / 100g) in horizon A and extremely low (1-11 mg / 100g) in horizon B, very low to moderate K 2 O (3-28 mg / 100g ), moderate to high exchangeable Ca (9.32 to 13.92 cmol c / kg) in the upper and lower (0.70 to 5.04 cmol c / kg) in the bottom layer, high exchangeable Mg content (2.83 to 8.95 cmol c / kg), high soil CEC (34.18 to 38.28 cmol c / kg) in the upper layer and low to moderate (7.87 to 20.39 cmol c / kg) in the bottom layer, moderate to high base saturation (44-68%), and very low to moderate Al saturation (0-17%). At the family level, the soil was classified as Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (EK 1 profile) and Typic Endoaquepts (EK 2 and EK 3 profiles), finely loamy, mix, acid, isohypertermik. The land was marginally suitable (S3) for cocoa plant with the contraints of impeded drainage, acid soil reaction, and low K 2 O. Drainage channel management can be done to increase the carrying capacity of the land for the development of cocoa plant.

Changes of Hairy vetch Biomass by Different Seeding Methods and Rice Growth and Soil Physicochemical Properties by Its Incorporation in Paddy

Hairy vetch can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere as a leguminous cover crop. This research was carried out to determine optimum seeding method of hairy vetch and application effect in paddy. Field experiment was conducted at Sinheung series (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts) from Sep. 2011 to Oct. 2012 at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA, Suwon, Gyeonggi province, Korea. Hairy vetch used in the study was 'Cheongpyungbora', developed by National Institute of Crop Science. Seeding methods of hairy vetch consisted of Broadcasting Before Rice Harvesting (BBRH), Partial Tillage Seeding (PTS), Minimum Tillage Seeding (MTS), No Tillage Seeding (NTS), and Drill Seeding (DS). Both MTS and NTS showed the highest biomass among the seeding methods. The rice yield of MTS and NTS significantly increased compared to conventional fertilization (CF). Also soil properties including organic matter and bulk density were improved by incorporation of hairy vetch. Therefore, we suggested that MTS and NTS could be used to produce hairy vetch and rice in paddy.

논토양 종류가 메탄배출에 미치는 영향

논토양 종류가 메탄배출에 미치는 영향을 구명하기 위하여 적황색토인 화동통과 회색토인 신흥통을 공시하여 벼 재배기간중 메탄배출량, 산화환원전위 및 토양중 산화물 함량을 분석하였다. 적황색토에서 메탄배출이 회색토에 비해 유의하게 낮았으며, 산화환원전위는 상대적으로 높았다. 적황색토는 회색토에 비해 쉽게 환원될 수 있는 Active oxide 함량은 낮은 반면, 상대적으로 안정성이 높은 Free oxide의 함량이 높았다. 따라서 논토양 종류별 메탄배출은 벼 재배기간중 산화환원전위와 토양중 Geothite, Hematite 등과 같은 메탄산화제의 함량에 영향을 받는 것으로 나타났다. Anaerobic decomposition of organic materials in flooded rice fields produces methane (<TEX>$CH_4$</TEX>) gas, which escapes to the atmosphere primarily by transport through organs of the rice plants such as arenchyma etc., Although the annual amount of methane emitted from a given area is influenced by cultivation periods of rice and organic/inorganic amendments etc., soil type also affects methane emission from paddy soil during a rice cultivation. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of soil type on <TEX>$CH_4$</TEX> emission in two paddy soils. One is a red-yellow soil classified as a Hwadong series (fine, mixed, mesic family of Aquic Hapludalfs), and the other is a gley soil classified as a Shinheung series (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Aeric Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts). During a flooded periods, redox potentials of red-yellow soil were significantly higher than gley soil. <TEX>$CH_4$</TEX> emission in red-yellow soil (<TEX>$0.21kg\;ha^{-1}\;day^{-1}$</TEX>) was lower than that in gley soil (<TEX>$5.25kg\;ha^{-1}\;day^{-1}$</TEX>). In the condition of different soil types, <TEX>$CH_4$</TEX> emissions were mainly influenced by the content of total free metal oxides in paddy soil. The results strongly imply that iron- or manganese-oxides of well ordered crystalline forms in soil such as goethite and hematite influenced on a <TEX>$CH_4$</TEX> emission, which is crucial role as a <TEX>$CH_4$</TEX> oxidizers in paddy soil during a rice cultivation.

답리작에서 녹비작물 크림손클로버 단파 및 혼파가 벼 생육 및 수량에 미치는 영향

Green manure crops are mainly used to reduce the application of chemical fertilizers. Mixture of green manure crops have beneficial effects in agroecosystem. In this study, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of monoculture and mixtures of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) on rice growth and yield in paddy. This experiment was conducted at Sinheung series (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts) from Oct. 2007 to Oct. 2009 at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA, Suwon, Gyeonggi province, Korea. Seeding rates of crimson clover (CC) were consisted of monoculture (CC2, 3, 4 kg and hairy vetch 5 kg ) and mixtures (CC 2 + barley 7, CC 3 + barley 7, CC 4 + barley 7, and CC2 + hairy vetch ). Seeds were drilled by partial tillage machine on 9th Oct. in 2007. Monoculture and mixture of crimson clover as a green manure crop was incorporated in soil for rice cultivation on 15th May in 2008. Chemical fertilizers had not been applied to monoculture and mixture plots. The biomass and N production of monoculture plots were lower than mixture plots. The biomass and N production of CC 2 + hairy vetch plot were the highest among mixtures treatments. In rice growing season, ammonium nitrogen concentrations in soil were a little high trends at CC 2 + hairy vetch plot. And soil bulk density and porosity were improved at mixture plot after rice harvesting. The rice yield of CC 2 + hairy vetch plot was not significantly different from conventional practice plot. These results indicated that cropping of crimson clover with hairy vetch mixture was better than barley mixture for environmental friendly rice cultivation.

중부지역 답리작에서 두과 및 화본과 녹비작물의 재배방법에 따른 biomass, 질소 함량이 벼 수량에 미치는 영향

The cultivation methods are important for determining crop yield of green manure. The effect of cultivation methods of green manure crops (GMC) on biomass and rice yield was investigated. This experiment was conducted at Sinheung series (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts from Oct. 2007 to Oct. 2008 at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA, Suwon, Gyeonggi province, Korea. Seven GMC (hairy vetch, barley, Chinese milk vetch, rye, crimson clover, oats, rattail fescue) were cultivated and incorporated on paddy soil by broadcasting before rice harvesting (BBRH) and partial tillage seeding (PTS). Among the three leguminous GMC, the biomass and N production were the highest at the hairy vetch of PTS. Among the four gramineae GMC, the biomass and N production tended to be higher in the rye of BBRH and barley of PTS. The C/N ratio (56.5～74.2) of rye was high compared with hairy vetch (14.1). Among the GMC, the incorporation of hairy vetch increased NH4-N contents in rice paddy soil at 14 and 42 days after transplanting. These results showed that hairy vetch had no significant to rice yield compared with conventional fertilization. Therefore, hairy vetch seems to be the most efficient green manure crop as an alternatives to chemical N fertilizer in the central regions of Korea.

Soil quality response to long-term wastewater irrigation in Inceptisols from a semi-arid environment

Thirty-nine paired soil samples belonging to Inceptisols, irrigated with wastewater and well water, were examined to monitor the combination of clay mineralogy, physicochemical properties, and trace metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) following long-term wastewater irrigation. Results of XRD analysis indicated that the quantity of clay minerals did not change by long-term wastewater irrigation although some modifications in smectite were occurred in Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts compared to control (well water-irrigated soil). Irrigation with wastewater was resulted in an increase in clay content from 3 to 17%, EC from 90 to 160%, organic carbon from 13 to 44%, and CEC from 10 to 13%. In this context, improvement in total N was as 80–110%, available P as 270–330%, and available K as 5–50% as compared to the control soil. Irrigation with wastewater was led to a significant enrichment in both EDTA-extractable and total metals of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, mainly as result of the combination of their addition through wastewater along with interaction between the used wastewater and its receiving soils. In the light of this, wastewater irrigation system showed the relative enrichment (RE) for total-Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb as 3.6–6.8, 2.8–4.9, 4.4–5.7, and 1.8–2.3, respectively. Fine particle-size fraction (<0.002 mm), organic matter, and calcium carbonates were appeared as the main agents in retaining the total trace metals as reflected in significant positive correlation among the physicochemical properties and the examined metals. Degree of contamination (Cd) for the four analyzed metals was in the range of 3–5. Based on Cd values, the wastewater-irrigated soils were classified as moderate degree of contamination (2 ≤ Cd < 4) to high degree of contamination (4 ≤ Cd < 8). Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts highlighted to be a major contributor of the load and contamination rate of trace metals regarding to geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, and Degree of contamination.

녹비작물 헤어리베치가 벼 생육 및 관개량 절약에 미치는 효과

녹비작물 헤어리베치를 이용하여 벼 재배 시 물 절약 기술을 개발하고자 2008년부터 2009년까지 경기도 수원시에 소재한 농촌진흥청 국립식량과학원 벼 시험포장 신흥통에서 수행하였다. 물관리 처리 내용은 관행시비구와 헤어리베치 투입구 내에 관행물관리구 (주 2~3회)와 주1회관개구를 설치하여 벼 이앙 후 30~38일부터 관개량, 벼 생육, 수량 및 수량구성요소, 토양물리성 변화를 조사하였다. 벼 유수형성기와 유숙기의 생육은 2년 모두 헤어리베치 투입구의 주1회 관개구가 관행시비구의 주1회관개구보다 양호하게 경과하였다. 관개량은 관행시비구의 관행물관리구에 비하여 헤어리베치 투입구의 주1회관개구가 2008년은 46.0%, 2009년 61.3%로 절감되었다. 벼 수량 및 수량구성요소도 2개년 모두 관행시비구의 물관리에 비하여 헤어리베치 투입구의 주1회 관개구와 유의적 차이가 없었다. 또한 헤어리베치 투입구에서 벼 수확 후 토양의 용적밀도가 감소하고 공극률이 증대하였다. 물리성 개선의 지표물질인 glomalin의 함량도 헤어리베치 투입구에서 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 따라서 헤어리베치 투입 후 주 1회만 관개하여도 토양물리성이 개선되고 보수력이 증대되어 벼 수량의 감수 없이 절수 재배가 가능하여 벼 재배 시 물 절약이 가능할 것으로 사료되었다. Green manure crops are primarily used to reduce the application of chemical fertilizers. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of green manure hairy vetch on rice growth and saving of irrigation water. This experiment was conducted at Sinheung series (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts) from 2008 to 2009 at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA, Suwon, Gyeonggi province, Korea. Hairy vetch as a green manure crop was incorporated in soil for rice cultivation. Chemical fertilizers had not been applied to hairy vetch plot. Treatments included once irrigation (OI) per week and conventional irrigation (CI). In 2008, the water use efficiency of OI increased by 46% compared to CI by hairy vetch application during rice cultivation season (water treatments were started 38 days after rice transplanting). In 2009, the water use efficiency of OI increased by 61.3% compared to CI by hairy vetch application during rice cultivation season (water treatments were started 30 days after rice transplanting). Soil physical properties such as bulk density, soil porosity ratio and glomalin contents were improved by the incorporation of hairy vetch. The rice yield of OI water management was not significantly different from those of CI water management by hairy vetch application both years. These results suggest that the OI water management with hairy vetch incorporated in soil for rice cultivation can be used in rice fields to reduce the amount of irrigation water and chemical fertilizer.

Storm Water Pollutant Removal Performance of Compost Filter Socks

In 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) listed compost filter socks (FS) as an approved BMP for controlling sediment in storm runoff on construction sites. The objectives of this study were to determine if FS with or without the addition of a flocculation agent to the FS system can significantly remove (i) suspended clay and silt particulates, (ii) ammonium nitrogen (NH(4)-N) and nitrate-nitrite nitrogen (NO(3)-N), (iii) fecal bacteria, (iv) heavy metals, and (v) petroleum hydrocarbons from storm water runoff. Five separate (I-V) 30-min simulated rainfall-runoff events were applied to soil chambers packed with Hartboro silt loam (fine-loamy, mixed, active, nonacid, mesic fluvaquentic Endoaquepts) or a 6-mm concrete veneer on a 10% slope, and all runoff was collected and analyzed for hydraulic flow rate, volume, pollutant concentrations, pollutant loads, and removal efficiencies. In corresponding experiments, runoff was analyzed for (i) size of sediment particles, (ii) NH(4)-N and NO(3)-N, (iii) total coliforms (TC) and Escherichia coli, (iv) Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, and (v) gasoline, diesel, and motor oil, respectively. Results showed that: (i) FS removed 65% and 66% of clay (<0.002 mm) and silt (0.002-0.05 mm), respectively; (ii) FS removed 17%, and 11% of NH(4)-N and NO(3)-N, respectively and when NitroLoxx was added to the FS, removal of NH(4)-N load increased to 27%; (iii) total coliform and E. coli removal efficiencies were 74 and 75%, respectively, however, when BactoLoxx was added, removal efficiency increased to 87 and 99% for TC and 89 and 99% for E. coli, respectively; (iv) FS removal efficiency for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 37 to 72%, and, when MetalLoxx was added, removal efficiency ranged from 47 to 74%; and (v) FS removal efficiency for the three petroleum hydrocarbons ranged from 43 to 99% and the addition of PetroLoxx increased motor oil and gasoline removal efficiency in the FS system.

Phosphorus Concentrations in Soil and Subsurface Water: A Field Study among Cropland and Riparian Buffers

Riparian buffers can be effective at removing phosphorus (P) in overland flow, but their influence on subsurface P loading is not well known. Phosphorus concentrations in the soil, soil solution, and shallow ground water of 16 paired cropland-buffer plots were characterized during 2004 and 2005. The sites were located at two private dairy farms in Central New York on silt and gravelly silt loams (Aeric Endoaqualfs, Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts, Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts, Glossaquic Hapludalfs, and Glossic Hapludalfs). It was hypothesized that P availability (sodium acetate extractable-P) and soil-landscape variability would affect P release to the soil solution and shallow ground water. Results showed that P availability tended to be greater in crop fields relative to paired buffer plots. Soil P was a good indicator of soil solution dissolved (<0.45 microm) molybdate-reactive P (DRP) concentrations among plots, but was not independently effective at predicting ground water DRP concentrations. Mean ground water DRP in corn fields ranged from < or =20 to 80 microg L(-1), with lower concentrations in hay and buffer plots. More imperfectly drained crop fields and buffers tended to have greater average DRP, particulate (> or =0.45 microm) reactive P (PRP), and dissolved unreactive P (DUP) concentrations in ground water. Soil organic matter and 50-cm depth soil solution DRP in buffers jointly explained 75% of the average buffer ground water DRP variability. Results suggest that buffers were relatively effective at reducing soil solution and shallow ground water DRP concentrations, but their impact on particulate and organic P in ground water was less clear.

Nitrogen Dynamics among Cropland and Riparian Buffers

Nitrate (NO3-) leaching to ground water poses water quality concerns in some settings. Riparian buffers have been advocated to reduce excess ground water NO3- concentrations. We characterized inorganic N in soil solution and shallow ground water for 16 paired cropland-riparian plots from 2003 to 2005. The sites were located at two private dairy farms in Central New York on silt and gravelly silt loam soils (Aeric Endoaqualfs, Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts, Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts, Glossaquic Hapludalfs, and Glossic Hapludalfs). It was hypothesized that cropland N inputs and soil-landscape variability would jointly affect NO3- leaching and transformations in ground water. Results showed that well and moderately well drained fields had consistently higher ground water NO3- compared to more imperfectly drained fields receiving comparable N inputs. Average 50-cm depth soil solution NO3- and ground water dissolved oxygen (DO) explained 64% of average cropland ground water NO3- variability. Cropland ground water with an average DO of <3 mg L(-1) tended to have <4 mg L(-1) of NO3- with a water table depth (WTD) of <or=1 m. Water table depth and DO explained 83% of ground water NO3- variability among buffers. More poorly drained buffers had low ground water NO3- and DO, a shallow WTD, and higher ground water ammonium and soil organic matter. Chloride patterns indicated that dilution was minor in most buffers, suggesting that denitrification losses were important. Soil-landscape factors strongly influenced NO3- behavior and suggest the importance of accurately characterizing soil variability along cropland-riparian zones.

Atrazine sorption-desorption hysteresis by sugarcane mulch residue.

Sorption and desorption kinetics are essential components for modeling the movement and retention of applied agricultural chemicals in soils and the fraction of chemicals susceptible to runoff. In this study, we investigated the retention characteristics of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) mulch residue for atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) based on studies of sorption-desorption kinetics. A sorption kinetic batch method was used to quantify retention of the mulch residue for a wide range of atrazine concentrations and reaction times. Desorption was performed following 504 h of sorption using successive dilutions, followed by methanol extraction. Atrazine retention by the mulch residue was well described using a linear model where the partitioning coefficient (K(d)) increased with reaction time from 10.40 to 23.4 cm3 g(-1) after 2 and 504 h, respectively. Values for mulch residue K(d) were an order of magnitude higher than those found for Commerce silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts) where the sugarcane crop was grown. A kinetic multireaction model was successful in describing sorption behavior with reaction time. The model was equally successful in describing observed hysteretic atrazine behavior during desorption for all input concentrations. The model was concentration independent where one set of model parameters, which was derived from all batch results, was valid for the entire atrazine concentration range. Average atrazine recovery following six successive desorption steps were 63.67 +/- 4.38% of the amount adsorbed. Moreover, a hysteresis coefficient based on the difference in the area between sorption and desorption isotherms was capable of quantifying hysteresis of desorption isotherms.